Monday, October 27, 2014

I am finished with this quilt using the snowball block and all solids. The quilting took some time for me because my machine is not cut out for quilts this size and it was a pain to get it through but I did it and it's bound.

The specifics of this quilt: it measures 60" x 78". The blocks are 10" square and there are 20 of them. The sashing in between and on the border are 4 1/2" wide. The fabric is Robert Kaufman in Snow and the colors pieces are a mix of Purl Soho's Spectrum Bundles

This was a fun quilt to make... choosing the color combinations and seeing it all pop against the white. I think it will be very cheerful on cold days.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Olive Juice Kids whose designs I have loved over the years is now selling some fabric from their clothing line. I took the opportunity to purchase some corduroy fabric in British Tan and Bittersweet as well as Brown Plaid in 100% lightweight cotton and pink tweed. I have had the pink tweed before in the shape of a dress three years ago and knew the weight and feel of it. It's a nice heavy winter fabric. The other three are lighter but perfect for Autumn/Winter wear as well. There are lots of skirt and tights days here. I used the whole half yard, made an elastic waist and finished with a nice wide hem. The one seam in the back is serged. They are quick and easy to make and best of all I know they will get lots of wear. I finished them with a label with my name which I know will bring a smile.

Monday, October 20, 2014

We made our annual trip to Rhinebeck for the Sheep and Wool Festival. We spent about 5 hours there and I still felt like I only saw half of it. This festival is really something and there are great vendors from food and wine, to wool, woodcraft, basketry, recycled wool fashion, ceramics and more plus animals! M took a turn leading an alpaca. He may be a bit shy with dogs but, alpacas not at all. My kids love to watch the dog frisbee, dog herding and other animal related activities and the food so I usually go off on my own for a bit to shop for wool and other trinkets.

Here is the wool I came away with and a beautiful Swedish cottolin hand towel.

I also bought some lovely ceramic buttons as I have done in the past from Melissa Jean and a few pieces of wool from Heavens to Betsy. In the rush to get out the door I forgot my camera and then once I got there I was too distracted to shoot much with my phone.

Friday, October 10, 2014

This dress is from one of my favorite sewing books, Carefree Clothes for Girls, and was sewn on Monday of this week. Wednesday was the first time she actually got to try it on and play around outside in it. This dress has sweet details like lace trim at the bottom tacked on twice, once by machine and as a special detail again with pure silver thread. The empire waist top is Liberty of London and buttons up the back with vintage glass bauble buttons and looped buttonholes made from embroidery thread. A tiny pocket for posies is sewn onto white cotton on the full length skirt. Lastly a bit of silver thread is sewn at the top neckline. Little details and slight imperfections give this that fairy tale quality, traipsing through the house and outside in your own little world as she is wont to do.

Saturday, October 4, 2014

I just added this beautiful pale gray bonnet to the shop with a matching satin bow that weaves through eyelet around the base and ties at the chin. It is sized to fit a wee one about 6 months old. It's knit with Madelinetosh DK in the color Astrid Gray.

* I corrected this version. I originally thought the color was Gossamer which is very close but then I found the tag*

Thursday, October 2, 2014

I discovered a new to me fabric shop nearby called Rock, Paper, Scissors last week and bought these two pieces of cotton with the geranium dress in mind as she is almost outgrowing the others. I fell in love with the Autumn colors and they pair so nicely together. I made a size 7 which is a bit big on her now but, I am hoping to layer it in future months and get extended wear for next year. This is the third geranium dress I've sewn so it's obvious I like this pattern. What makes it special are the custom options within the pattern. I used the faux cap sleeve this time rather then the flutter sleeve as I had done previously. You can also change the neckline, hem (make it a top), pockets or not and for the skirt, pleats or gathers. I love the look of these handmade vintage buttons with the dress.